Room
Renumbering
The room numbering system functions as one of the basic pieces of information in
the building's way finding system.
The way finding system can be compared to the process people use when
traveling through a town or city to reach their destination. First they go to the
right part of town, next they find the right street, and finally they look for the right
address. In a building, they use a similar process by first going to the right floor
level, next they find the right corridor, and finally they look for the right room
number. That room number serves as the "address".
Room Numbering as a
Room number systems identify each room in a building using a consistent
Wayfinding Tool
recognizable pattern. In addition to identifying the room, the room numbering
system also assists in orienting visitors, patients and employees and serves as a
sequential guide to help them navigate through sometimes complex building floor
plans.
Room Numbering
Room number systems in a medical center play a primary role in the function
Effects on Operations
and operations of a facility. A room numbering system that is confusing or unlike
common addressing & floor designation systems affects visitors, patients and
also employees. For example, a confusing numbering system affects planning
and maintenance staff along with dietary staff and others trying to do pick up and
make deliveries to rooms within a building.
Importance of a Clear
The assignment of a "beneficial" room number provides an opportunity for the
Room Numbering
patient to create an immediate mental image of the actual space location in the
System
building. By knowing a beneficial room number, a person can enter the building
and ascertain what floor, wing, and location on that wing the target space is...all
without additional wayfinding tools such as directories, lines on floors, etc.
Fixing "Broken" Room
Most often room numbering systems that are "broken" are a result of new
Numbering as a
construction being added to existing facilities with the room numbers not being
Wayfinding Tool
coordinated between the buildings. Or, extensive or repeated remodeling has been
done and the existing numbering system was not flexible enough to accommodate
change.
When embarking on a project to correct a "broken" room numbering system there
are several things that need to be taken into account. Many departments will be
affected in a medical center and all of these departments need to participate in the
process in order to make a smooth transition.
Typical departments that are effected by room number changes are Facility
Management, Engineering, Environmental Management, Pharmacy, Medical
Administration, Nutrition & Food Service, Police Services, & Information Resource
Management.
Planning for a change will take time and should involve communication to as many
staff a possible long before the change takes place.
02/2005
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